Awkward

Thomas headed towards his quarters, ignoring the giggling from Daisy and Susie - the new scullery maid. It seemed the young girls found something hilarious in one of the periodicals they were reading. He had to admit he found the same actor they fawned over attractive but knew he could never admit it. He nodded towards Mrs Carson as he headed towards his own room.

"Thomas?" The soft Scottish accent caught his attention. He paused.

"Good evening, Mrs Carson er Hughes. I'm never sure what to address you as." He smiled slightly as she laughed.

"Either will suffice. How about Elsie when we're not on duty. Although, if you listen to my husband we always are!"

"Very true." Thomas nodded.

"You look troubled."

"I'm tired."

"Then get some rest, my boy. Is it only tiredness? I'd like to be able to help, if I may." She watched as he sighed. He knew she had been keeping an eye on him since he had attempted suicide a few months earlier. He nodded.

"I just need a good night's sleep."

"If you're sure."

"Thank you. I am." He stepped into his bedroom, closing the door behind him. He just hoped sleep would be easy to find.

Cxxxxx

"Charlie Carson." Elsie smiled as she walked into his private chamber. "What on earth are you doing?"

He looked up as his wife carried two mugs of tea into the room. Smiling slightly he set the shoebox to one side.

"Looking for the name of the physician that cared for my father. I dare say, he had long since died."

"But?"

"I thought it possible that there may be a new medical device, a drug that might help these infernal shakes! There have been so many advances. Your toast maker for one."

"Toaster." She smiled. "It's called a toaster." Carson shook his head.

"It's new fangled- which made me think that there might be something new for these infernal shakes." Carson sighed. "I am not holding out much hope."

"Well I am." She crossed the room to him. Placing her hands on both sides of his face she stared into his eyes. "I will never give up on you, Charles Carson. Do you hear me?"

"I do."

"Good." She kissed him. "So. The doctor may well have died but you think the practice may still be in business?"

"Possibly." He sighed. "It'll be expensive. I remember Mother going to moneylenders. I was only a boy."

"Nothing more valuable than good health. The money can be found. Somehow." She picked up the shoebox next to the one he had been searching through. "Come on then." He smiled as she sat at the table, opening the box.

"What did I do to deserve you?" He asked quietly.

"Och, I do wonder at times." She teased as he shook his head.

Cxxxx